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When the concept of a recent socialist party fronted by Jeremy Corbyn and the Coventry South MP was initially proposed in the summer, it garnered immense interest that countless individuals showed enthusiasm in participating.

Even though it became almost immediately plagued by arguments – its leaders rowed bitterly over its initial leadership and revenue strategy – many anticipated this weekend's launch gathering would represent a new beginning.

Concerning Opening Day

A sizeable chunk of the 2,500 delegates are people who left the Labour party, unhappy about the agenda of the incumbent leadership and looking for a political home as they are concerned by the increasing popularity of Reform UK.

As plans for the party's inaugural conference were finalised, Sultana and Corbyn seemed to made amends. Participating in a socialist gathering in Manchester last month, Sultana humorously paralleled the duo to the Gallagher brothers, stating: “I want to announce the project is moving forward.”

Yet when the gates to the event venue in Liverpool welcomed attendees on Saturday morning, Sultana was noticeably absent. As Corbyn gave his introductory speech, she was enjoying a cafe drink in a restaurant about a brief walk from the location.

Leadership Division

It was clear there was little agreement on how the party ought to be governed. Corbyn stated to reporters he supported a established hierarchical structure, with a sole leader voted into power, and suggested he’d be inclined to stand if members selected this option.

But, in an interview, Sultana said she was advocating for a shared governance model, with key decisions being made by rank-and-file supporters – those not presently working as MPs or councillors. She added that she did not think parties should be run by “single leaders”. She did, nonetheless, indicate she would be ready to compete against Corbyn if there was a election for a single leader.

Toxic Culture

Although Sultana insisted she and the ex-party head were on good terms – they had, she said, talked about how they wanted the conference to be “an encouraging gathering where members gain confidence” – she was sharply negative about some of his allies and party administrators whom she thinks are working against her. She declined to identify individuals, but it is known that relations between her backers and Corbyn’s ex-senior aide Karie Murphy are especially tense.

The Coventry South MP – who abandoned Labour in July – also mentioned that there was still a “negative atmosphere” among certain members of Your Party, which had caused “bullying, intimidation and smears” and “intentional disruption”.

Boycott and Group Conflicts

Strains escalated significantly around lunchtime when it was revealed Sultana would boycott the first day of the conference, in alliance with would-be delegates who had been turned away from the event due to affiliations with other leftwing groups – particularly the Socialist Workers party. Her spokesperson called this a “political persecution”, commenting: “We must build a party that welcomes all socialists.”

Allies of Corbyn – who wrongly asserted on Saturday morning that the Socialist Workers party was listed by the election authority – were incensed, claiming Sultana was seeking to orchestrate a “sideshow”. They feel allowing multiparty membership would lead to problems and increase the factionalism which already appears to have crippled the fledgling movement.

Regarding the position of the Socialist Workers party, one supporter of Corbyn said: “Although it isn't formally recognized by the election authority but it is nonetheless a political group. The clue is in the name.”

Disappointment Among Participants

Numerous attendees were disappointed that Saturday’s activities descended into internal disputes when they would have wanted to focus on important topics such as the cost of living crisis and migration policy, as well as strategising for next year’s local elections.

Your Party is still considering if it will present its own contenders or endorse non-aligned progressives and some supporters feel the party will have failed if it is not listed for election as an option besides Labour.

Hope for Day Two

It remains to be seen if the event can be salvaged on Sunday, when the results of crucial polls – such as the final designation and leadership structure – will be declared. Sultana intends to be present and give a speech, which has encouraged those who still hope for unity.

However the majority of attendees remained disheartened as they made their way of the meeting space into a wet evening in Liverpool on Saturday. It's possible the sentiment of the day was captured by a single delegate, who said: “My substantial beverage is transforming into a full bottle.”